Sunday 2 October 2022 12:54 PM Prowling Panthers prove their class as security lapse sees protester damage ... trends now

The Penrith Panthers sealed back-to-back NRL premierships with a thumping of Parramatta in Sunday night's grand final, as a green protester marred proceedings by tearing padding from the goalposts, and Jimmy Barnes led a pre-game concert that divided viewers.

The Panthers won 28-12 to extend the Eels premiership drought which dates back to 1986, but the scoreline did not fully reflect Penrith's dominance as they wasted scoring chances and allowed two late Parramatta tries that did little but add a touch of respectability to the final margin.

In the second half, a protester breached security at Accor Stadium and ran onto the playing field, reaching the goalposts where he tore at the padding before being grabbed by security guards.

The bearded protestor, who message printed on his t-shirt - For Our Kids -  hinted at his motivation, did not enough damage to the padding that it needed to be re-attached to the posts.

 Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards was awarded the Clive Churchill medal as the player of the match, and celebrated with delighted teammates.

Stephen Crichton scored the opening try on 10 minutes, and when Brian To'o crossed just seven minutes later the Panthers were in complete control.

Scott Sorensen crossed after 27 minutes to threaten a rout, and Penrith went to the sheds up 18-0.

A second try to To'o early in the second half effectively ended the contest and Charlie Staines added another before late consolation tries to the Eels via Clint Gutherson and Jay Arthur. 

Commentators sung the praises of the Panthers after the exceptional display.

'They have lost four games all year. And they have completely dominated in one of the great grand final performances,' said caller Matt Thompson.

'An emotional (coach) Ivan Cleary, who is normally poker-faced. Well, why wouldn't he shed a tear on a night like this?

'This club has achieved what very few have. (It's) a very special group of footballers. A team filled with superstars; the backbone of which has all been developed in the Penrith area.'

Much of the crowd was made up of Parramatta fans eager to see the club end its long premiership drought, but their illusions were quickly shattered as Penrith piled on early points to go to half-time with an 18-0 lead.

Eels captain Gutherson said it was disappointing to perform so poorly in the grand final after so much hard work to get there.

'Look, they were outstanding. We gave them way too much ball there in the first half and I think we made 110-120 more tackles than them in the first half. You can't do that to a quality team,' Gutherson said.

'Look, we stayed in it until the end. It is disappointing. It is a hard feeling to explain. But that's footy. Someone has to lose and unfortunately it was us.

'It was a rollercoaster this year for us. It is everyone's goal to get here. Unfortunately we couldn't get the result we wanted.'

The stage was set for the grand final by a line-up of local entertainers, capped by Jimmy Barnes.

He ripped through his chart-toppers Working Class Man, No Second Prize, Lay Down Your Guns and Good Times. 

On the last track, which he originally performed with INXS, he was joined by his daughter Mahalia Barnes. 

Some watching at home were impressed - but others savaged the performance and shared their thoughts on social media. 

'Not a huge fan of his voice or songs, but you gotta admit the man is an absolute vibe. I didn't get it until I saw his performance at Gudinski's memorial, now I do' one fan wrote.